USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > La Porte City > Centennial history and directory of La Porte City, Blackhawk county, Iowa > Part 1
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1776.
1876.
CENTENNIAL
History AND Directory
LA PORTE CITY, +
Blackhawk County, Iowa.
Containing a Historical Sketch of La Porte City from its settlement up to the present day, with sketches of the churches and different societies and or- ganizations. Also a Directory, giving names of all business men, with place of residence and their nativity. Also giving the names of the officers of the National, State, County, and City Govern- ments in office, this the Centennial year.
Edited and Published by D. C. PATTERSON, -AT- La Porte City, July 4, 1876.
LA PORTE CITY, IOWA: PROGRESS PRINT, DR. J. WASSON, PROPRIETOR. -1876 .--
The Newberry Library" The Everett D. Graff Collection of Western Americana
3210
IONAL HOTEL,
Main Street, - LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
This Hotel has been lately fitted up; excellent table, clean beds and the best accommodations. Good stabling and attentive hostlers.
SAMPLE ROOMS FOR ACCOMMO
MERCIAL TRAVELERS.
Wm. ROLPH, Prop.
NOTICE!
FARMERS HAVING MACHINERY TO REPAIR.
I am now ready to do all kinds of repairing. I have . machinery to do all kinds of
Turning, Sawing, Grinding and Polishing Plows.
I am capable of doing all kinds of work in wrought iron.
ALL JOBBING WARRANTED
At reasonable prices for cash. Please give me a call. Main Street, opposite City Hotel.
Thos. Williams.
LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
INTRODUCTION.
Thinking that the necessity of the age calls for a History and Directory of this city, I have endeavored to meet it, and produced this little work wherein are compiled sketches of La Porte City, and names of all business men, giving their place of residence and nativity; and have stated facts as near as I could gather them. Some, perhaps, may not agree with me in the historical records. I have given them as received by me, and hope all mistakes will be charitably exonerated. I become indebted to many friends for valuable information, among whom are Hon. Jesse Wasson, George Bangor, George Bishop and others, to all of whom I herein extend my heartfelt thanks. I now humbly submit this Directory and History of La Porte City to your perusal.
Respectfully,
D. C. PATTERSON.
3
y
1776. 1876. LUMBER ! LUMBER ! AT.
R. J. McQUILKIN'S
Dom Pedro Lumber Yard !
CORNER MAIN AND WALNUT STREETS.
I keep constantly on hand all kinds of seasoned pine
LUMBER
SUCH AS
flooring, Siding, Ceiling and Finishing Èumber, Lath, Shingles,
Pickets, Fence-Stays, Doors, Sash, Blinds, and Eave Gutters, also
Roofing, and Building Paper By the Ounce or Ton. . LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
LA PORTE CITY
Is beautifully and most desirably situated on a platean on the south bank of Big Creek, about one mile from its confinx with the Red Cedar River, and is located in the southeast part of Black- hawk County, State of Iowa.
The country surrounding the city is the best farming land in the State, or perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that it is un- equaled on the continent for richness of soil and agricultural advantages enjoyed. It seems that nature, endeavoring to improve mpon herself, combined all her elements and facilities of agricul- ture and centered them in the Red Cedar Valley. La Porte City is also an important station on the great through line of the Bur- lington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway. It is a straightfor- ward, undeniable fact that more farin produce is shipped from La Porte City over this railroad than from any other town along the road, with the exception of Vinton. Total amount of grain shipped during the year 1875 was 463,700 bushels; total number of logs, 8,062; total number cattle, 1,823, making a total estimated value of shipments for the year 1875 of $348,960, which speaks well for the business importance of the town.
HISTORY.
The first settlers in the vicinity of La Porte City were James IIamer, who lived in a log-cabin on the site of Edward Quackenbush's residence, and John Dees, who lived on the Ottawa side of Big Creek, in a log dwelling. George Cook came here in 1854, and entered the land now known as the southwest part of the city, and built a log dwelling on the bank of Big Creek, to the rear of what is now known as Dr. Darling's residence. He conveyed the most of his land to George Bishop the following year, who improved it, and subsequently divided it into town lots; and has from time to time disposed of the most of them at reasonable rates. Mr. Bishop was the first attorney in La Porte City, and is still in practice. Byron Stewart built a log dwelling on the ground between the City Hotel and City Bank buildings, in the summer of 1854. Hon. Jesse Wasson came to the valley early in the spring of 1855, and purchased of George Cook some eighteen acres of land, and built a dwelling-house and store room. The dwelling is still standing, and forms the west wing of his now handsome residence. The store room stood on the now vacant lot on the north corner of Main and Locust streets, where Dr. Wasson kept the first store and the first post-office, paying for the delivery of the mail the first year, as it was some distance off the regular route. He was also the first physician and first justice of the peace in La Porte City. Dr. Wasson founded and laid out the town in June, 1855,
€
1776. HARDWARE! 1876.
Established in 1866, by B. S. STANTON, Changed to firm of
STANTON & TAYLOR,
IN 1876.
Where you will find a full line of HARDWARE consisting in part of,
STOVES, TINWARE,
IRON,
NAILS,
CARPENTERS TOOLS,
HOUSE TRIMMINGS,
SILVER PLATED GOODS, CUTLERY,
FENCE WIRE,
FENCE BARBS,
NOVELTY and EUREKA CLOTHES WRINGERS,
BUILDING PAPER,
TAR AND BOARD,
SHOVELS,
SPADES,
SCYTHES, SNATHS,
FORKS, HOES, RAKES.
All kinds of tinners work done to order. We have a select stock that cannot in price or quality, fail to please everybody.
WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD.
No trouble to show goods. Soliciting your patronage we
Remain Yours,
STANTON & TAYLOR. Main St., La Porte City, lowa.
and commenced the sale of town lots. The first lot sold was to George Bangor, at present a member of the City Council, who erected a neat frame dwelling of two stories, using the first floor as a boot and shoe store room, in which place he kept the first boot and shoe store in La Porte City. The dwelling is still standing, in the rear of his now large and commodious brick building. The next lot Dr. Wasson disposed of was to Riley Montray, who built a log dwelling, which stood on the site of Will. Walker's residence. J. S. Thompson was the first blacksmith in the city. He carried on the business in a log-cabin which stood near Byron Stewart's dwelling, which we mentioned heretofore. In the fall of 1855. Mr. John Rolph put up the building now occupied by John Patten, who used the upper floor as a paint shop, the first floor being used as a general meeting-room. . Mr. Rolph soon afterward soid it to Dr. Wasson, who used it for an office for a number of years. Win. Fox built the National Hotel in 1857, and kept it for a period of sixteen years, it being the first hotel kept in the city, and the only one until quite recently. It is now kept by Wil. Rolph, Esq., under whose good management it has become a first-class hotel with an extensive patronage. Dr. Wasson erected the store room now occupied by Jacob Waggoner's store, in the summer of 1857. It has been used for that purpose ever since. Many other buildings were erected at that time, of which we have no definite account. Thus La Porte City began its career, and by the energy of its founder its progress was rapid.
Hon. Buren R. Sherman came to this place in July, 1855, at the age of seventeen, and kept store for Dr. Wasson. He began' the study of law from the law library of Dr. Wasson and George Bishop, in connection with his duties as clerk. Taking for his motto the brilliant word success, by self-esteem and perseverance in the right direction, he fitted himself for the bar. Ile left this place in the fall of 1859, and was admitted to practice at Vinton in January, 1860, at which place he continued the practice of law for some eighteen months, when he entered the service under the flag of the Union, serving as captain, when he was subsequently appointed major, but was severely wounded before receiving his commission. He served several terms as Clerk of the Circuit and District Courts of Benton county, previous to his election as Anditor of the State of Iowa, which position he still ocenpies. By his strict integrity he holds the esteem of all parties, and is an honor to the State, and more especially to the community of La Porte City, among whom he had his lite trials in the sea of knowledge of the law before he attained to the positions he has since occupied.
The first marriage that occurred in this place was that of Dr. Wasson, which event took place the 31st day of May, 1855. The first child born was a daughter of Dr. Wasson's, which died at the
KIEHLE & ABBOT, (Established in 1875.) DEALERS IN
FURNITURE
9
Black Walnut and Oak Extension Tables, Rock- ing and Easy Chairs, Hair Cloth Chairs, Cane Seat Chairs, Fine Sofas and Sinks, Curtains and Curtain Fixtures. Also an assortment of Picture Frames, oval and square, gilt and plain. Paints, Oils & Varnishes. COFFINS AND CASKETS.
Undertaking will be promptly attended to at all hours, by E. Keihle who lives over the store. Jobbing and repairing promptly attended to. W. H. Abbott will also attend to jobs and building outside the store. Shop and Salesroom one door east of City Hotel.
LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
ELGIN WATCHES. For
LADY
YILEIN
VELGIN
TURCHESE
W. H. LUDLOW,
Always keeps a full assortment of first-class WATCHES, Clocks, Jewelry, Silver and Silver plated ware. SPECTACLES, and everything in the line. Repairing done on short notice. Good goods and fair prices will win.
1776. Established in 1866, 1876.
F. S. BOYNTON,
Dealer in a general assortment, which means a little of everything in my line, such as
DRUGS, MEDICINES, NOTIONS, TOILET GOODS BOOKS AND STATIONERY, Oils, Paints, Window Glass, Putty, Wall Paper, and Window Shades. WINES and LIQUORS STRICTLY FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES, ONLY.
In Fact a Superior Stock. Prices Away Down. Main Street, - LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
age of eleven months, its funeral being the first that occurred in the city.
The first established road was laid out through this place in May, 1855, from Vinton, to Cedar Falls, really under the direction of Dr. Wasson, through whose influence it had been ordered sur- veyed, and who named the place after La Porte, Ind., where he had previously lived for a number of years. Previous to the rail- roads being built in this part of the State, goods and merchandise were brought from the Mississippi River in wagons, usually taking a full week to make a trip to the river and back. The drivers in those days had to endure a great many hardships, they having to camp every night, and use the earth for a bed and the heavens for a covering. Dr. Wasson generally had three teams hauling from the river. It was on one of these occasions, when the doctor was along, that an incident occurred, which, to illustrate camp life, I will state here. The company was composed of the doctor and three drivers, among whom was one Ben. Whitney, who was noted for his timid nature. Camp being struck and supper served, one evening, Ben. being very much fatigned, retired about a rod from the camp fire and laid down, using the trunk of a tree for a pillow, and was soon lost in sweet repose in that fairy land of dreams. The rest of the company were enjoying themselves hugely around the camp fire, when they succeeded in startling an enorinous green frog, which, in trying to make its escape, bounded into the bosom of our slumberer (who always wore his shirt lying open in front, and did not use suspenders), and was making efforts to secrete itself somewhere along the spinal column of poor Benjamin, when, () horror of horrors-may we never witness such a sight again, says the spectator-the agony, the pitiful cries that rang out on the night air, startling the night-hawk from his perch, and the rabbit from its lair. Poor Ben, in the most intense agony, his countenance, his features, his whole form changing into a thou- sand different shapes, writhing and bounding in the greatest par- oxysms of excitement, shouted, " Take 'em out! take 'em out! take 'em o-u-t!" when his companions, roaring with laughter, managed to strip him of his shirt, when the uninvited guest fell to the ground with a countenance resembling a Connecticut judge, which was far different with our hero.
Among the various improvements in La Porte City is an iron bridge, which was built across Big Creek in 1867, at a cost of $4,500, it being the first iron bridge in the county. A good, sub- stantial Howe truss bridge was built across the Cedar River, nearly opposite the town, in 1874, at a cost of $7,000. The streets are regularly laid out, and sliade trees planted on both sides. There are also some very handsome residences, among them Jacob Berry's, George Bishop's, Hon. John Treanor's, and a host of others, all of which are tastefully located and adorned with works of art and nature, which gives us a prominent position among the
WALTZ & WAGNER,
DEALERS IN
DRY GOODS and NOTIONS, Hats, Caps, Ready-Made Clothing,
CLOTH, PIECE GOODS, TAILORS TRIMMINGS, GROCERIES, Dried Fruit and Queensware,
AT BOTTOM PRICES. LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
ATTENTION!
Having received a fine stock of new goods. I would most respectfully inform the citizens of La Porte and vicinity, that I can furnish anything usually kept in a first-class
HARNESS SHOP, SUCH AS Saddles, Bridles, Collars, Brushes, Currycombs, Whips, Plastering Hair, Harness Oil, Buffalo Robes, Fly Nets and Horse Clothing of all descriptions. Custom Made Trunks and Valises of all kinds. HARNESS of all kinds manufactured out of the best kind of OAK LEATHER. Repairing promptly and neatly executed. Please give me a call.
PETER TROST.
Main St., La Porte City, Iowa.
most beautiful cities of the land. The railroad was put in opera- tion through this place in November, 1870, at which time there were seven hundred and fifty inhabitants. The present population, according to the census of June 10, 1876, is one thousand and twenty-six.
ORGANIZATION.
The town was organized in 1871, with R. J. McQuilkin, Mayor, and W. H. Brinkerhoff, Clerk. The town plat covers some four hundred and fifty acres, all on the south bank of Big Creek. The present officers are Hon. Jesse Wasson, Mayor, and E. K. McGogy, Clerk.
SCHOOLS.
There was no school-house built till 1862, when a neat, two- story frame building was erected on grounds donated by Dr. Wasson. Previons to this, school was held in private houses. The interests of the schools have been carefully looked after. A splendid brick building was erected in 1874, at a cost, with fix- tures, of $7,150. The schools are graded as follows: High school, grammar school, intermediate and primary schools, with Prof. M. L. Newton as principal, and four assistants. The total number of male pupils is 115; females, 130; total number on roll 245, with an average attendance of 212.
CHURCHES-METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
Was organized in 1857, with Rev. Mr. Hollingsworth as preacher in charge, and a membership of twenty. Mr. A. N. Day, an honored member of the M. E. Church, was appointed leader of the class when first organized, which office he has held inost of the time since, and filled it most successfully. This church held its services in private dwellings, school-honses, and town-halls until 1872, when, under the pastorate of Rev. R. R. Richer, a church edifice was built, at an expense to the society and community (with its present completeness and outfit) of $5,000. The society at La Porte City at present has a membership of one hundred and thirty-five. The La Porte City charge, however, has a member- ship of two hundred and thirty-five. The Sunday-school has at present ninety-four scholars; but including the members of the church who are really and virtually connected with the church, though not regular in attendance, the school numbers one hundred and ninety-four, with Wm. I. Brown as superintendent. Regular services are held in the church each Sabbath, as follows: Preaching service at 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M .; young people's meeting at 3 P. M .; regular class- meeting at 4 P. M .; Sunday-school teachers' meeting and Bible-
F. D. CHAPMAN, M. D.
Rooms, 1st Door East of City Hotel.
MAIN ST., LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
DR. L. J. STOCKWELL,
SURGEON DENTIST! OF LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
Having had over twenty years experience in the Dental Profession, prides himself of doing as good work, as can be done in the west. None but the best and purest material used in his practice. Don't wait for a tooth to ache before having it repaired, the time to save a tooth is in the first stages of decay.
GOOD FILLING AND GOOD PLATE WORK
are always worth their cost, while poor Dentistry is dear at any price. Should you want anything done in the line of
DENTISTRY.
Please call on Dr. Stockwell. All work warranted.
OFFICE WITH DR. TRIEM ON MAIN ST.
reading service, Wednesday evening of each week; prayer-meeting on Thursday evening. For the past three years the church has been greatly burdened with debt, but by the untiring efforts and efficient labors of the board of trustees-Wm. Chapple, Chas. Wait, Sam'l Daniel, Jolın Fisher, E. B. Lyon, Levi Kennecott, and Wni. J. Brown, and its present pastor, Rev. C. M. Wheat, this debt of $2,206 has been amply and well provided for; and the beginning of the centennial year was the bright dawn of a new era of the history of the church, succeeding which, God graciously poured out his spirit upon the church and the community, and sixty persons professed faith in Christ, fifty of whom were added to the membership of the church.
REV. C. M. WHEAT, A. M., Pastor.
PRESBYTERIAN.
· Society was organized November 4, 1867, with seven members. The church was built in the summer of 1874, and was dedicated in December of the same year. It is one of the finest structures in the State, costing, with outfit, $8,372. Mr. J. F. Wagner, of this city, was the architect. The present membership is one hun- dred and eight. Sabbath-school numbers one hundred and eighty, with Dr. C. T. Ingersoll as superintendent. Services are held every Sabbath at 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M .; Sunday-school at 12 M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening; young people's prayer-meeting every Friday; Temperance Association meets monthly.
REV. J. A. DONAHEY, A. M., Pastor.
EVANGELICAL.
This society was organized in 1861, with nine members. The church was built in 1867. Society separated in 1871, be- coming two distinct congregations, known as the English Evan- gelical and German Evangelical.
ENGLISH EVANGELICAL.
Number of members at. separation in 1871 was forty. This society, in 1873, purchased the German Evangelical Society's share of the church. Present membership of the church, one hundred and twenty-eight. Sabbath-school scholars number sixty, with Wm. Shirer as superintendent. Services are held every Sabbath as follows: Preaching at 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M .; Sunday-school at 10 A. M. Prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening; Bible-reading every Tuesday evening; class-meeting on Sabbath afternoon.
REV. J. WAGONER, A. M., Pastor.
J. S. EBERHART Keeps on hand a complete assortment of
HARDWARE AND FARM IMPLEMENTS, Carpenters' Tools, and Building Material, ALSO, A VARIETY OF
VULLER, WARK
COOKING
AND
#BATING
STOVES
of the latest Improved Patterns, from the best Manufacturers.
Every Stove Warranted.
A complete Stock of Table and Pocket Cutlery, Tinware, Eave Troughs, &c. Jobbing Work a Specialty. All work guaran- teed to give satisfaction. Also have exclusive sale of the KLINEFELTER FENCE BARB THE BEST IN THE MARKET. LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
BRICK ! AT D. R. STEELE'S Centennial Brick Dari,
BRICK !
Locust St., La Porte Citv, Iowa. He is now manufacturing the Celebrated CONCAVE BRICK, and offers the best article the markets can produce, at the lowest living prices.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL.
Number of members at separation in 1871, was eighty-two, Sabbath School Scholars, sixty-five. They have a good sized church which was purchased at a cost with ontfit of $2,000. Services are held as follows: Preaching every Sabbath evening at 7:30 P. M., and every second Sabbath at 10 A. M. Sabbath School at 12 M., with Christian Tripp as Superintendent.
REV. N. SCHUCK, A. M., Pastor.
SEVENTII DAY ADVENTISTS.
Society was organized in 1873, with twenty-two members. Meet- ings are held in private houses every Sabbatlı, (Seventh day) at 10 A. M. Present number of members, twenty-two. Sabbath School numbers thirty-six.
TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION
was organized for the general diffusion of temperence in the com- inunity, on the 25th day of September, 1875, with the following officers: President, Rev. J. A. Donahey; Vice Presidents, J. C. Davis, Mrs. J. C. Davis, Mrs. Morgan; Secretary, Miss Alice Goodrich; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. P. E. Trien; Treasurer, J. R. Stebbins. Meets 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 P. M., in the vestry of the Presbyterian Church.
BUSINESS.
The business interests of the town are represented by a large flouring mill with three run of burrs, having a capacity of seventy- five barrels per day. It was built by Elwell & Babcock in the summer of 1865, at a cost of $20,000; commenced operations in April, 1866, has a large custom, is under the management of Dr. H. W. Boynton at the present. There are also five extensive elevators in the City. No. 1 was built in 1870, by G. F. Moulton; capacity 4,000 bushels. No. A was built in 1870, by Lusch & Whaley; capacity, 12,000 bushels. No. B was built in 1870, by Wright & Co .; capacity, 10,000 bushels. No. D was built in 1871, by G. F. Moulton; capacity, 8,000 bushels. The Grange elevator was built in 1874, by the Patrons of Husbandry, with a capacity of 12,000 bushels. Also, one brick manufacturer, one bank, one brewery, five dry goods and four grocery stores, two drug and three book stores, two hardware stores, three agricultural implement establishments, four restaurants and billiard halls, two confection- eries and bakeries, two meat markets, two lumber yards, two wagon and six blacksmith shops, three shoemaker shops, one boot and shoe store, one harness and saddlery store, two furniture stores, one jewelry store, one tailor shop, four insurance agencies, one photograph gallery, one dairy, seven physicians, two dentists, three
Farmers' Grocery !
(ESTABLISHED 1868.) H. J. PREBLE Is now ready with a full and complete stock of everythikg in his line.
In Crockery and Glassware
Special inducements are offered. I carry as large, and fine a stock of TEAS as any firm in this place and shall not be undersold by any man. My stock of GROCERIES, WILLOW and WOODEN WARE is complete. You will find a choice lot of
Candies, Best Brands of Tobacco 2 Cigars, Also a full assortment of
Table and Pocket Cutlery,
And nearly everything you want. There are several resaons why I can sell you goods below many others.
Doing my own work, my expenses are low; selling for cash you do not have to pay other People's debts. And finally I take the position that a nimble sixpence is better than a slow shilling. I want
BUTTER AND EGGS,
And will pay the Highest Market Price. Remember the place, next door to post-office.
Main Street,
LA PORTE CITY, IOWA.
CECITY DAIRY, D
W. C. PATTERSON, Proprietor. FRESH MILK and CREAM
Delivered to any part of the City ON SHORT NOTICE.
lawyers, and two good hotels, one printing office, the La Porte City Progress, an eight column folio published weekly by Dr. Jesse Wasson. The La Porte City Republican appeared with W. H. Brinkerhoff as editor, and was continued eleven months, when it was discontinued for want of support in November, 1872.
MASONIC.
Trowel Lodge No. 216, was organized under dispensation April 17th, 1867, at R. C. Ileath's residence in upper chamber, with the following officers:
G. W. Dickinson, W. M.
G. W. Hazelett, S. W.
F. S. Boynton, J. W.
O. A. Philips, Treasurer.
II. Moore, Sec'y. Geo. Ranies, S. D. R. C. Heath, J. D. Miller Edsill, Tyler.
A charter was granted the lodge on the 3rd day of June, 1868, since which time it has been in a flourishing condition, and now consists of forty-eight members, with the following officers:
Nelson Taylor, W. M. James Norton, S. W.
Adam Keller, Tyler. F. Bollow, S. D.
W. H. Makee, J. W. Allen.Cotton, J. D.
B: S. Stanton, Treasurer. Ben. Eberhart, S. S.
J. G. Klingaman, Sec'y. J. W. Vanduyne, J. S.
The regular monthly meetings are held on Wednesday, on or before full moon in Masonic Hall, over Stanton & Taylor's Hard- ware Store.
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
La Porte Lodge No. 229, was organized October 17, 1872, under charter granted by the State Grand Lodge, in Masonic Hall, » with the following officers;
C. Wait, N. G. H. Chapple, V. G.
D. W. Dalton, Con. and Treas'r. W. II. Makee, Warden.
W. Goodwin, R. S.
Geo. Ranies, I. G.
Present number of members is thirty-fonr, with the following officers:
J. W. McQuilkin, N. G.
E. K. McGogy, V. G.
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